Saint Blaise – Dubrovnik Patron Saint
Salvation by an apparition in a dream
Saint Blaise was born in Sebasta, on the east of the Great Roman Empire, during the rule of the emperor Diocletian. Today, it is a territory of a city called Sivas, in Turkey. He was a Christian at a time when Christianity was a forbidden religion. He became a bishop, and he was executed at 316.
According to a legend in 972 he appeared in a dream of the Dubrovnik priest Stojko, announcing to him that Venetian ships, which were anchored in the city port, were supposed to attack Dubrovnik at dawn. The priest informed the Dubrovnik rector about his dream, and he sent an inspection on those ships. Under the investigation, some sailors admitted to the planned attack.
That was the reason why he has been elected to become the saint patron of Dubrovnik. In addition, every public building must have a statute of St. Blaise on its front side, blessing the city. Today more than 30 statues are preserved all over the city, on the city gates, Walls, forts, churches.
The festivity of Saint Blaise
Dubrovnik worships its patron for more than 1700 years. Since 972, every year on February 3 Dubrovnik celebrates its patron saint. That morning the relics of Saint Blaise kept in the Cathedral Treasury are carried in a procession throughout the city, followed by banners from all the parishes of the Dubrovnik Bishopric. The holy service is performed in the open, in front of the Cathedral. It’s a tradition that people from Dubrovnik surrounding come to the city wearing folk costumes, especially children.
Even in the former socialist Yugoslavia, the procession has been held.
That manifestation has been registered on the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage List in 2009.
The blessing of the throat
The day before, on the Candlemas day, there is a blessing of a throat in the Church of Saint Blaise. A priest takes two candles swirled together, forming a letter Y, and positions them in front of the throat saying a special blessing, so God saves you from a sore throat.
Join me on my Dubrovnik City Tour and learn more about the bond between Saint Blaise and Dubrovnik, and much more.
Saint Blaise – Dubrovnik Patron Saint
Salvation by an apparition in a dream
Saint Blaise was born in Sebasta, on the east of the Great Roman Empire, during the rule of the emperor Diocletian. Today, it is a territory of a city called Sivas, in Turkey. He was a Christian at a time when Christianity was a forbidden religion. He became a bishop, and he was executed at 316.
According to a legend in 972 he appeared in a dream of the Dubrovnik priest Stojko, announcing to him that Venetian ships, which were anchored in the city port, were supposed to attack Dubrovnik at dawn. The priest informed the Dubrovnik rector about his dream, and he sent an inspection on those ships. Under the investigation, some sailors admitted to the planned attack.
That was the reason why he has been elected to become the saint patron of Dubrovnik. In addition, every public building must have a statute of St. Blaise on its front side, blessing the city. Today more than 30 statues are preserved all over the city, on the city gates, Walls, forts, churches.
The festivity of Saint Blaise
Dubrovnik worships its patron for more than 1700 years. Since 972, every year on February 3 Dubrovnik celebrates its patron saint. That morning the relics of Saint Blaise kept in the Cathedral Treasury are carried in a procession throughout the city, followed by banners from all the parishes of the Dubrovnik Bishopric. The holy service is performed in the open, in front of the Cathedral. It’s a tradition that people from Dubrovnik surrounding come to the city wearing folk costumes, especially children.
Even in the former socialist Yugoslavia, the procession has been held.
That manifestation has been registered on the UNESCO World Intangible Heritage List in 2009.
The blessing of the throat
The day before, on the Candlemas day, there is a blessing of a throat in the Church of Saint Blaise. A priest takes two candles swirled together, forming a letter Y, and positions them in front of the throat saying a special blessing, so God saves you from a sore throat.
Join me on my Dubrovnik City Tour and learn more about the bond between Saint Blaise and Dubrovnik, and much more.
